Spain 1 Russia 0
Sub sinks Russia
Spain needed an inspired substitution to defeat Russia 1-0 in their opening match of Euro 2004 on Saturday with Juan Carlos Valeron scoring the winner just 36 seconds after coming on.
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| Spanish midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron (R) scores a goal against Russia,12 June 2004 at Faro stadium, during their opening match at the European Nations football championships. Spain and Russia are competing in Group A with Greece and host Portugal. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS |
Spain, traditionally slow starters, are now in the driving seat to qualify for the quarter-finals, particularly after Group A favourites Portugal crashed to a 2-1 defeat against Greece earlier Saturday.
With Spain on the back foot, coach Inaki Saez threw on Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Valeron on the hour mark and he fired home Carles Puyol's cross.
In the second minute Real Madrid striker Raul almost notched his 39th goal for Spain but his shot arrowed wide of the post.
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| Spanish midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron (C) is congratulated by his teammate midfielder Vicente (R) after scoring a goal against Russia, 12 June 2004 at Faro stadium during their opening match at the European Nations football championships. Spain and Russia are competing in Group A with Greece and host Portugal. AFP PHOTO / YURI KADOBNOV |
Swiss referee Urs Meier cautioned three Russian players - Rolan Gusev, Roman Sharanov and captain Alexei Smertin - in the first half hour.
With the Russian rearguard walking a tightrope, Valencia winger Vicente cut a pinpoint cross back to Fernando Morientes metres from goal but goalkeeper Sergey Ovchinnikov saved brilliantly.
Russia's talisman Dimitri Alenichev sparked his team into life with a majestic run as he danced around two flat-footed Spanish defenders with brilliant footwork only to see his effort parried by Iker Casillas.
The pendulum suddenly swung in Russia's favour with Alenichev pulling the strings.
The second half interval did not break Russia's rhythm but Spain almost took the lead in the 51st minute but Raul headed wide.
Coach Inaki Saez reacted by introducing Valeron on the hour mark and it proved an inspired move with him staking a claim for a starting berth with a clinical finish after Puyol pulled the ball back.
Russia, who had Sharonov sent off late on for tripping Fernando Torres, can at least take heart from their spirited display before their match with hosts Portugal on June 16.